Thursday's letters: A jobs program

Published: Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 7:52 p.m.

To the editor: People argue their position related to guns. It seems we should look at the issue more in the context of potentially being an American “jobs program.”

We just need to convince politicians to ban the import of weapons made in other countries. The rationale is quite simple — fair trade. Examples are Belgium and China, which have very strict laws banning the import of certain weapons from us as well as prohibiting their citizens from possessing certain weapons they manufacture. They can, however, export those same weapons to us.

Where is the fairness in that trade policy?

If we close this obvious trade loophole, then all guns sold in America would have to be manufactured here. The jobs created in the industry would explode because of the need for more employees in American gun companies and by forcing foreign companies to move their production here if they wish to sell guns here.

Then the industry would truly be American, and we could all take pride in and point to the fact that any suicide or homicide would at least be the result of a weapon “Made In America.”

Barry McMillion

Hendersonville

Rich get richer

To the editor: I find it interesting that Republicans in Congress have no qualms regarding cuts to the military, returning vets, Medicare, school programs, etc., but do not feel the need to take on any cuts for themselves.

They continue receiving their salaries and perks while the poor, unemployed, children and seniors will have to continue to suffer.

<p>To the editor: People argue their position related to guns. It seems we should look at the issue more in the context of potentially being an American jobs program.</p><p>We just need to convince politicians to ban the import of weapons made in other countries. The rationale is quite simple  fair trade. Examples are Belgium and China, which have very strict laws banning the import of certain weapons from us as well as prohibiting their citizens from possessing certain weapons they manufacture. They can, however, export those same weapons to us.</p><p>Where is the fairness in that trade policy?</p><p>If we close this obvious trade loophole, then all guns sold in America would have to be manufactured here. The jobs created in the industry would explode because of the need for more employees in American gun companies and by forcing foreign companies to move their production here if they wish to sell guns here.</p><p>Then the industry would truly be American, and we could all take pride in and point to the fact that any suicide or homicide would at least be the result of a weapon Made In America.</p><p><em>Barry McMillion</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>Rich get richer</h3>
<p>To the editor: I find it interesting that Republicans in Congress have no qualms regarding cuts to the military, returning vets, Medicare, school programs, etc., but do not feel the need to take on any cuts for themselves.</p><p>They continue receiving their salaries and perks while the poor, unemployed, children and seniors will have to continue to suffer.</p><p>It seems the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.</p><p><em>Doris Hubble</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p>